Mounting system for equipment enclosures

ABSTRACT

A system for mounting equipment into enclosures includes one or more longitudinal rails with bent flanges and a plurality of holes within the flanges. A side bracket mounts to the equipment, and also to the flanges of the rails. The side bracket has bent ears with slots therein, which mate with a portion of the plurality of holes in the rail flanges. The system permits three axis adjustment of the equipment, and in particular, fasteners inserted through the holes and slots permit the side to side adjustment of the equipment.

This invention was made with Government support under N00024-96-C-6226 awarded by the Department of the Navy. The Government has certain rights in this invention.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Various embodiments of the invention relate to the field of cabinets and enclosures for holding equipment, especially computer and other electronic equipment, and in an embodiment, but not by way of limitation, to a rail mounting system allowing for ease of installation of equipment into the enclosures, adjustment of the equipment while in the enclosures, and removal of the equipment from the enclosures.

BACKGROUND

Computer and electronic equipment may be mounted in standard commercial rack mounting systems and/or Structurally Integrated Enclosures (SIE). In an attempt to standardize such installations, the Electronic Industry Association (EIA) has promulgated standards for mounting hardware. However, despite the EIA standards, in many situations there still remain dimensional tolerance variances between equipment and cabinets, and various adjustments are required so that the equipment will securely fit into the cabinet. These adjustments are normally implemented with shims. However, shims are not a desirable solution because they add variables to both the technical and cost aspects of an installation.

These dimensional tolerance variances are normally associated with the side to side movement and adjustment of the electronic equipment. In such systems, side brackets are used to mount the electronic equipment onto a standard EIA rail that in turn is mounted to the rear portion of a cabinet or enclosure. Another rail mounted to the front portion of the enclosure is used to secure the front panel of the electronic equipment to the rail. In such a setup, the rails allow minimal front to rear and top to bottom adjustment, and they allow virtually no side to side adjustment since the side bracket is mounted flat on the rails.

FIGS. 1 a and 1 b illustrate two examples of rails known in the art that are used to mount electronic equipment into a cabinet. The rails 10 a and 10 b include first substantially L-shaped sections 15 a and 15 b, and second substantially L-shaped sections 20 a and 20 b. Sections 15 a and 15 b include longitudinal bodies 23 a and 23 b and flanges 25 a and 25 b. Sections 20 a and 20 b include longitudinal bodies 30 a and 30 b and flanges 35 a and 35 b. Longitudinal bodies 23 a and 23 b include a plurality of holes 27 a and 27 b along the length of the bodies 23 a and 23 b which are for mounting the rails 10 a and 10 b to a cabinet. L-shaped sections 20 a and 20 b include a plurality of holes 40 a and 40 b that are used to connect L-shaped sections 15 a and 15 b to L-shaped sections 20 a and 20 b respectively. Flanges 25 a and 25 b include a plurality of holes 45 a and 45 b that are used to secure a side mounting bracket (not shown in FIGS. 1 a and 1 b) (through holes on the side mounting bracket) to the rails 10 a or 10 b, or to mount accessory components to the rails 10 a and 10 b, depending on the installation. The flanges 35 a and 35 b also contain a plurality of holes (not visible in FIG. 1) that are similarly used to mount either a side mounting bracket or accessory components to the rails 10 a or 10 b.

Equipment that is installed into a cabinet mounts to a side bracket. In such installations, as demonstrated in FIGS. 1 a and 1 b, two L-brackets are used for each mounting location—thereby requiring at least eight such L-brackets (in a four corner installation). One such L-bracket mounts to the cabinet (via holes 27 a, 27 b in the bodies 15 a and 15 b), another L-bracket mounts to the equipment side bracket (via holes 45 a, 45 b in flanges 25 a, 25 b, or holes (not visible in FIGS. 1 a and 1 b) in flanges 35 a, 35 b), and connecting hardware is used to mate the two L-brackets together (via holes 40 a, 40 b). FIGS. 1 c and 1 d illustrate top planar views of the rails 10 a and 10 b of FIGS. 1 a and 1 b respectively. FIGS. 1 a and 1 b illustrate that sections 20 a and 20 b are “Added L Brackets” and “Added Hardware” since prior to the systems of FIGS. 1 a and 1 b, only a single L section was used in installations. The sections 20 a and 20 b were later added by attaching the sections 20 a and 20 b to the single L-sections 15 a and 15 b that were at the time being used in such installations.

While the rails of FIGS. 1 a and 1 b allow for vertical movement within the cabinet because of the plurality of holes 45 a and 45 b in the flanges 25 a and 25 b, and allow for front to back horizontal movement within the cabinet if the side bracket is an adjustable bracket, such rails still do not permit much side to side horizontal adjustment. To make a side to side adjustment, the previously alluded to shims must be employed between the side mounting brackets and the equipment that is installed into the cabinet. Moreover, the hardware needed to couple two L-brackets together adds to the complexity of the system, and is a source of strain and weakness.

The art is therefore in need of an alternative system for mounting computer and other electronic equipment into structurally integrated and other enclosures.

SUMMARY OF AN EMBODIMENT

In an embodiment, a rail mounting system allows for full three axis adjustment, thereby eliminating the need for shims or multiple-pieced rails and brackets in the installation of computer and other electronic equipment into structurally integrated enclosures and other cabinets for such equipment.

In an embodiment, the three axis adjustment system permits adjustment in a front to back, up and down, and side to side manner. The side to side adjustment is made possible because the side bracket includes bent ears with slots, and a rail on the cabinet has a bent flange to match the bent ears of the side bracket. Fasteners that connect the bent ears (via the slots) to the rail (via the standard EIA hole pattern) are able to horizontally slide through these slots. This structure permits considerable side to side adjustments to accommodate variances in the equipment mounted into the cabinet, and this adjustment can be made automatically during the installation procedure, thereby eliminating the need for shims for a standard commercial equipment installation.

In an embodiment, the rail that the side bracket mounts to is designed in a Z or C channel fashion that allows the bent ears of the side mounting bracket to surface mount with the rail. In this embodiment, the rails have the standard EIA rail hole configuration so as to be able to be integrated into existing equipment mounting designs that have ample space in the cabinet or enclosure. This embodiment does not require changes to the front mounting panels, or changes to commercially designed and custom designed electronic equipment, that use the standard EIA hole pattern.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 a and 1 b illustrate perspective views of prior art rails for mounting equipment into a cabinet or structurally integrated enclosure.

FIGS. 1 c and 1 d illustrate top planar views of the prior art rails of FIGS. 1 a and 1 b respectively.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a mounting rail referred to as a Z rail.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a mounting rail referred to as a C rail.

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a rail mounting system including Z rails and a side mounting bracket.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that the various embodiments of the invention, although different, are not necessarily mutually exclusive. For example, a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described herein in connection with one embodiment may be implemented within other embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, it is to be understood that the location or arrangement of individual elements within each disclosed embodiment may be modified without departing from the scope of the invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims, appropriately interpreted, along with the full range of equivalents to which the claims are entitled. In the drawings, like numerals refer to the same or similar functionality throughout the several views.

An embodiment of a rail for a mounting system for equipment, and in particular electronic equipment, is illustrated in FIG. 2. The embodiment of FIG. 2 illustrates a Z rail 200. The Z rail 200 has a body 210, a first flange 220, and a second flange 230. The first and second flanges are connected to the body along longitudinal edges 224 and 234. The rail 200 further has one or more clearance holes 240 in the body 210. The flanges 220 and 230 have a plurality of holes 222 and 232 respectively along their lengths. The holes 222 and 232 may be either threaded holes or non-threaded through holes. In an embodiment, the holes 222 and 232 are mounted along the length of flanges 220 and 230 respectively in a standard Electronics Industry Association (EIA) pattern. The rail 200 may be manufactured out of a plated steel, a stainless steel, or any other durable material known in the art.

FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of a rail for a mounting system. The embodiment of FIG. 3 illustrates a C rail 300. The C rail 300 has a body 310, a first flange 320, and a second flange 330. The first and second flanges are connected to the body along longitudinal edges 324 and 334. The rail 300 further has one or more clearance holes 340 in the body 310. The flanges 320 and 330 have a plurality of holes 322 and 332 respectively along their lengths. The holes 322 and 332 may be either threaded holes or non-threaded through holes. In an embodiment, the holes 322 and 332 are mounted along the length of flanges 320 and 330 respectively in a standard EIA pattern. The rail 300 may be manufactured out of a plated steel, a stainless steel, or any other durable material known in the art.

The clearance holes 240 and 340 in a Z and C rail respectively are for receiving fasteners for mounting the rails 200/300 on a Structured Integrated Enclosure (SIE) or other enclosure or cabinet. After mounting onto an SIE, a bracket is attached to the rail 200/300. FIG. 4 illustrates an example of such a bracket 450 as it may be attached to a Z rail 200. The bracket 450 has a first section 455, and a second section 460. In an embodiment, the first section 455 sets into the second section 460 as illustrated in FIG. 4. Studs 465, which sit in slots 480, hold the two sections together. In the first section 455, the slots 480 that receive the studs 465 are longitudinal, allowing for section 455 to slide within section 460, thereby permitting the bracket 450 to be expanded and collapsed. The first section is connected to the Z or C rail via fasteners 470, which protrude through slots in bent ears 475 of section 455. The second section 460 is connected to the Z or C rail with fasteners (not visible in FIG. 4) that are inserted through slots 485 located within bent ears 475 of the side bracket 450.

The embodiment of FIG. 4 permits three axis adjustment of the equipment in the enclosure. Front to back adjustment is permitted by the two piece side bracket 450. Section 455 of the bracket slidably couples with section 460 of the bracket, via the tracking of studs 465 in slots 480. Up and down adjustment is permitted by the plurality of holes 232 in the rail 200, and the slots 485 in the bent ears 475. The slots 485 further permit a side to side adjustment.

In the foregoing detailed description of embodiments of the invention, various features are grouped together in one or more embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments of the invention require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description of embodiments of the invention, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment. It is understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. It is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein,” respectively. Moreover, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc., are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

The abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b) to allow a reader to quickly ascertain the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The Abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 

1. A mounting system for equipment comprising: a first rail comprising: a longitudinal body including a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge; a first flange connected to said first longitudinal edge; a second flange connected to said second longitudinal edge; a plurality of holes positioned in said first flange and said second flange according to EIA standards; and and a plurality of holes within said longitudinal body, said holes within said longitudinal body for receiving a fastener for connecting said rail to an enclosure; a second rail comprising: a longitudinal body including a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge; a first flange connected to said first longitudinal edge; a second flange connected to said second longitudinal edge; a plurality of holes positioned in said first flange and said second flange according to EIA standards; and a plurality of holes within said longitudinal body, said holes within said longitudinal body for receiving a fastener for connecting said rail to an enclosure; and a side bracket comprising a longitudinal body and bent ears attached to the ends of said longitudinal body, said bent ears having slots therein for aligning with said holes in said first flanges, thereby permitting a side to side adjustment of said side bracket.
 2. The mounting system of claim 1, wherein said enclosure is for electronic components.
 3. The mounting system of claim 2, wherein said enclosure comprises a structurally integrated enclosure.
 4. The mounting system of claim 1, wherein said side bracket further comprises: a first longitudinal section and a second longitudinal section, said first longitudinal section slidably coupled to said second longitudinal section; and one or more slots within the body of said second longitudinal section, said slots to receive a fastener coupled to said first longitudinal section, thereby permitting longitudinal adjustment of said side bracket.
 5. The mounting system of claim 1, wherein said flanges and said longitudinal bodies of said first and second rails form substantially 90 degree angles.
 6. The mounting system of claim 1, wherein said longitudinal bodies and said first flanges and said second flanges form a Z shape.
 7. The mounting system of claim 1, wherein said longitudinal bodies and said first flanges and said second flanges form a C shape.
 8. The mounting system of claim 1, wherein said equipment is electronic equipment.
 9. An apparatus comprising: an integrated longitudinal body with a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge; a first flange coupled to said first longitudinal edge; and a second flange coupled to said second longitudinal edge; wherein said first flange comprises holes positioned therein according to EIA standards.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said second flange comprises holes positioned therein according to EIA standards.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said first flange and said second flange form substantially 90 degree angles with said longitudinal body.
 12. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said apparatus is mounted onto an enclosure for electronic equipment.
 13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said longitudinal body and said first flange and said second flange form a Z shape.
 14. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said longitudinal body and said first flange and said second flange form a C shape.
 15. A mounting system for equipment comprising: a first rail comprising: a longitudinal body including a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge; a first flange connected to said first longitudinal edge; a second flange connected to said second longitudinal edge; a plurality of holes positioned in said first flange and said second flange according to EIA standards; and and a plurality of holes within said longitudinal body, said holes within said longitudinal body for receiving a fastener for connecting said rail to an enclosure; and a side bracket comprising a longitudinal body and bent ears attached to the ends of said longitudinal body, said bent ears having slots therein for aligning with said holes in said first flange, thereby permitting a side to side adjustment of said side bracket.
 16. The mounting system of claim 15, further comprising: a second rail comprising: a longitudinal body including a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge; a first flange connected to said first longitudinal edge; a second flange connected to said second longitudinal edge; a plurality of holes positioned in said first flange and said second flange according to EIA standards; and a plurality of holes within said longitudinal body, said holes within said longitudinal body for receiving a fastener for connecting said rail to an enclosure.
 17. The mounting system of claim 15, wherein said first flange and said second flange form substantially 90 degree angles with said longitudinal body.
 18. The mounting system of claim 15, wherein said longitudinal body, said first flange, and said second flange form a Z shape.
 19. The mounting system of claim 15, wherein said longitudinal body, said first flange, and said second flange form a C shape.
 20. The mounting system of claim 15, wherein said side bracket further comprises: a first longitudinal section and a second longitudinal section, said first longitudinal section slidably coupled to said second longitudinal section; and one or more slots within the body of said second longitudinal section, said slots to receive a fastener coupled to said first longitudinal section, thereby permitting longitudinal adjustment of said side bracket.
 21. The mounting system of claim 15, wherein said enclosure is for electronic equipment.
 22. A system for mounting electronic equipment into an enclosure, comprising: an integrated first rail comprising holes in an EIA standard pattern; an integrated second rail comprising holes in an EIA standard pattern; and a side bracket comprising slots; wherein said side bracket is coupled to said first rail and said second rail via fasteners positioned in said slots and said holes; and further wherein said system permits three axis adjustment. 